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Eldora council approves 5% water and sewer rate increases for next year
Summary
After discussing infrastructure needs and past budgets tied to the water treatment plant, the Eldora City Council voted to set both the annual water and sewer increases at 5% starting July 1; councilors acknowledged public sensitivity and said the increase may be revisited annually.
The Eldora City Council voted to approve a 5% annual increase for both water and sewer rates, beginning July 1, after a discussion focused on long‑term infrastructure needs.
Public works staff told council that the existing code sets an annual increase at 5% under current ordinances, and recommended keeping the rate at 5% for the coming year to address known and projected upgrades at the treatment plants. Councilors debated the optics of a rate increase, with members noting that in recent years the city had often adopted less than the full 5% and that residents frequently react on social media. Still, members said the city faces mounting infrastructure costs including repeated pipe breaks and planned plant projects.
Council member Scott Schwarz and others emphasized the uncertain status of federal grant funding and other expenses that make a full 5% prudent for FY25. After discussion, the council took roll‑call votes to approve Resolution 5253551 (water) and Resolution 5253552 (sewer), each carried by majority roll call.
Why it matters: The rate increases fund capital maintenance and debt service tied to the water treatment plant and sewer projects; while minor percentage changes may appear small, they generate recurring revenue for multiple planned repairs and replacements.
What happens next: The increases are scheduled to take effect July 1; staff said the council will continue to re‑evaluate the rate annually and that the public works director can reduce the increase in future years if conditions allow.
